Optical & Process Engineer

Optical & Process Engineer

We are looking for a hands-on optical & process engineer to join a cross-functional team advancing optical material and product development, supporting optical fingerprinting, characterization, measurement execution, and data analysis activities. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player who enjoys laboratory work, is comfortable with repetitive but critical measurement tasks, and demonstrates strong attention to detail and ownership.

• Process Measurement & Characterization:
• Execute optical process measurements and characterization tests across materials and components.
• Apply techniques such as ellipsometry, interferometry, profilometry, and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to evaluate thin-film and optical material properties.
• Perform process validation, calibration, and optical reliability testing.
• Maintain and operate benchtop metrology setups in optical and laser lab environments.
• Work in cleanroom and laboratory settings with high accuracy and consistency.
• Process Data Analysis & Root-Cause Investigation (half operator – half engineer)
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and report process data—going beyond routine reporting to identify trends, anomalies, and failure modes.
• Pull and correlate datasets across optical, structural, and process engineering teams to support cross-functional root-cause analysis.
• Use statistical methods (DoE, SPC, trend monitoring) to characterize process stability and drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate findings through structured reports and team presentations.
• Metrology & Tool Development:
• Design and build custom benchtop and pilot-scale process metrology setups to expand internal measurement capabilities.
• Develop automated data collection and analysis pipelines to improve process monitoring and throughput—being sure to validate any work produced or supported by AI tooling
• Support process bring-up, design validation, GRR studies, and measurement system analysis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with optical, process, materials, and design teams.
• Review and interpret microscopy and materials characterization data.
• Contribute to documentation, reporting, and knowledge sharing across teams.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in optics, physics, materials science, chemistry, optical engineering, or a related discipline. A PhD is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of hands-on optical laboratory or process engineering experience.
• Industry background in optical process or materials engineering strongly preferred.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments—hands-on, ready to work

• Optical process characterization techniques (Required): ellipsometry, interferometry, profilometry, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, and/or confocal/optical microscopy.
• Thin-film process characterization and optical stack analysis (Required): reflectance, transmission, and familiarity with deposition methods such as ALD or PVD.
• Laser and optical lab safety protocols (Required).
• Strong data analysis skills—Python required; MATLAB a plus.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools: JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, or similar.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

• AR/VR optics.
• Statistical process tools:
  DoE, SPC, JMP, Minitab.
• Clean room and wet chemistry process familiarity (conceptual understanding sufficient; minimal hands-on expected)
• Microscopy and advanced characterization techniques: SEM, AFM, TEM (work cross functionally with these teams)
• Mechanical testing: adhesion, hardness, and material property characterization.
• Material characterization, including adhesive dispensing.
• CAD tool familiarity.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted data analysis and ability to validate AI-generated results.
• Postdoctoral experience.

• Be eager to learn and develop new technical skills in a fast-moving environment.
• Be comfortable performing repetitive yet business-critical characterization and measurement work.
• Demonstrate curiosity, a growth mindset, and a strong desire to build credibility amongst teams
• Be proactive, self-driven, and ownership-oriented.
• P…